Antivirus vs. Outsourced Cyber Security: Which is the Best Investment for Your Small Business?
If you are a small business owner, you know that cyber security is essential for protecting your valuable data. But with so many different options available, it can be tough to know where to start. In this blog post, we are going to start our journey into cyber security by comparing antivirus software with our innovation award winning Business Service Solution. We will discuss the key features of each solution and help you decide which one is right for your business.
Antivirus software / Endpoint Protection
Antivirus software (AV), also known as Endpoint Protection, is a type of cybersecurity software that protects your devices (desktops, laptops, and smartphones) from viruses, malware, and other malicious threats. AV software works by scanning your devices for known threats and blocking them from infecting your system. Antivirus software is typically relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, it has some limitations. For example, antivirus software can only detect, and block known threats. It may leave you exposed to new or emerging threats.
Business Secure
Business Secure is a comprehensive cyber security solution that offers a wide range of features, including antivirus/anti ransomware, active monitoring of devices and response to incidents, OS and security updates, device encryption, and helpdesk support when you need it.
It is worth mentioning that small businesses often do not have the internal expertise or have no one to turn to for advice in a cyber security incident. Most anti-virus vendors do not provide this service as standard and often can be an expensive add-on. This feature is included in the Business Secure solution.
Business Secure provides active monitoring to cyber security incidents with your users’ devices (up to 3 devices per user). Business Secure’s team of experienced security analysts will investigate and respond to any incidents that are detected on these devices.
Why OS updates and Encrpytion are Important
Operating System (OS) security updates and device encryption are also important security features of Business Secure. Security updates are published by the operating system vendors (such as Microsoft and Apple) to remediate and remove security weaknesses in their software. These security weaknesses or vulnerabilities have become a common threat gateway for hackers in recent years to compromise networks and systems. WannaCry and the Mirai Botnet are both high profile cyber-attacks that spread through security vulnerabilities.
Device encryption helps to protect your data from unauthorised access in case of the device is lost or stolen and unauthorised users try to gain access to the information stored on that device.
| Compare the Features | ||||
| FEATURES | BUSINESS SECURE | MOST ANTIVIRUS | ||
| Active Security Monitoring | ✔ | X | ||
| Ransomware Protection & Anti-Virus Management | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Device Encryption | ✔ | X | ||
| OS & Security Update Management | ✔ | X | ||
| Windows Firewall Management | ✔ | X | ||
| Web Filtering of Malicious Sites | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Mobile Device Protection | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| IT Asset Inventory | ✔ | X | ||
| Remote Security Assistance | ✔ | X | ||
| Monthly Status Reports | ✔ | X | ||
Statistics on cyber-attacks and small business:
- Small businesses account for 43% of all cyber-attacks (Accenture)
- 87% of SMBs suffered a cyber-attack last year, while only 44% of them consider security as a priority. (Sophos)
- 60% of small businesses that are victims of a cyber-attack go out of business within six months (Forbes)
- Phishing, password hacking, and adware are among the most common forms of attack against small businesses. In 2023, 41% of businesses have experienced phishing, 37% have experienced password hacking, and 30% have been victims of adware. (Electric)
- According to the Check Point Cyber Security Report 2021, three out of four attacks took advantage of flaws that were reported in 2017 or earlier. And 18% of attacks utilised vulnerabilities that were disclosed in 2013 or before, making them at least seven years old.
- 59% of small business owners with no cybersecurity measures in place believe their business is too small to be attacked (Electric)
- On average, SMBs spend between $826 and $653,587 on cybersecurity incidents. (Astra Security Blog)
- Companies that suffer data breaches see a sharp decrease in repeat customers, with 55% of people saying they would take their business elsewhere (Astra Security Blog)
The cost of the average cyber-attack can vary depending on the scale and impact of the attack. According to a report by IBM, the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million, which represents a 15% increase over three years. Another study by Hiscox and CNBC found that cyber-attacks cost businesses an average of USD 200,000 per incident. It’s important to note that these figures are averages and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on various factors.
Cyber-threats do not sleep.
Cyber-attacks tend to happen out of hours, when businesses are closed, and employees are not working. This is because attackers know that businesses are less likely to detect and respond to attacks during these times.
Business Secure can help businesses to protect themselves from these types of attacks. By having a team of security experts respond to threats is added peace of mind. Here is a good example of this: If a user downloads malware out of hours, the antivirus should still protect them and to (A.) block it (B.) clean it up automatically and (C.) notify the user and response team that malware was detected, and manual clean-up is required.
Here are some of the key benefits of out-of-hours security:
- Reduced downtime: By detecting and responding to attacks quickly, out-of-hours security can help businesses to reduce the amount of downtime caused by cyberattacks.
- Protect data: Out-of-hours security can help businesses to protect their sensitive data from being stolen or encrypted by attackers.
- Reduced costs: By reducing downtime and protecting data, out-of-hours security can help businesses to reduce the overall costs associated with cyberattacks.
Which solution is right for your business?
If you are a small business with a limited budget, antivirus software may be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive cyber security protection, Business Secure is a better investment.
Business Secure’s service is especially valuable for small businesses that do not have the in-house expertise to monitor and respond to cyber security threats. Additionally, Business Secure’s OS updates and device encryption features can help to protect your business from a wide range of cyber-attacks.
Business Secure also helps businesses demonstrate that it takes security seriously to its customers.
If you are serious about cyber security, Business Secure is the best solution for your small business.
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